So starting with the good. The food was very good especially the “New Hamachi” (which was a tuna carpaccio with an incredible sauce) and the “hot yakuza roll”. This is expected however at this price point. The drinks were pretty good, I’ve had much better in Lisbon however. The negative part here starts with the fact that the restaurant has a very soulless feel. The biggest problem for me though (also an absolute deal breaker for me) is that the hostess told us that our time at the table was over and that we need to move to the bar while we were waiting for a sashimi platter. We had been there for roughly 2 hours and were trying our way through the menu and no where in the reservation process, confirmation emails or even upon arrival were we made aware of the fact that we could only have the table for 2 hours. They even let us order a sashimi platter only for the hostess to ask us to leave the table about 10 minutes after ordering! I have never experienced this level of unprofessionalism (she was very rude about it as well) at a restaurant of this price point (our bill was 400€ for 3 people). After arguing with them for a few minutes they let us stay at the table at least until we finished eating, but this totally ruined the mood and the vibe - for 400€ I expect the full package of great food, great service, great vibe etc. To top it off the coffee was a bad nespresso for 5€ (see photo) which is a bit embarrassing for a restaurant like this if you ask me. In a city like Lisbon with so many incredible restaurants, definitely skip Yakuza because you’ll miss out on a great restaurant that’s actually worth your...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Yakuza by Olivier in Lisbon, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a unique blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine with a touch of Portuguese flair.
Upon entering, the ambiance immediately captivates you. The elegant decor, combined with dim lighting and soothing music, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, ensuring that every guest feels special.
The menu is a delightful journey through the flavors of Japan. Each dish is beautifully presented and crafted with the freshest ingredients. I highly recommend starting with the sushi platter, which showcases an impressive variety of expertly rolled sushi. The freshness of the fish is unparalleled, and each bite is a testament to the skill of the chefs.
For the main course, the black cod marinated in miso was a standout. It was cooked to perfection, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, savory flavor. Paired with a selection of sake, the meal was nothing short of divine.
To top off the dining experience, I indulged in their matcha tiramisu for dessert. It was a creative twist on a classic dessert, with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of bitterness from the matcha.
In conclusion, Yakuza by Olivier is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine in Lisbon. The combination of exquisite food, attentive service, and a stylish setting makes for a memorable dining experience. I can't...
Read moreI was a little disappointed today with the service at Yakuza. I've always enjoyed the food and ambiance of the restaurant. This is the first time I had problems with the service. I was asked if I wanted to order from the luncheon menu which comprised a set menu with a 20 euro charge. I told the waitress that I would like to order the luncheon menu. She asked what I would like as a starter and drink, once I answered she disappeared without asking what I would like for the main. The starter was great, I then told the waitress that I would like vegetarian sushi for the main selection, as I am allergic to fish. I was told that this was not possible, that it was a set menu and vegetarian sushi could not be substituted for the regular sushi. I was surprised by this as I have ordered the vegetarian sushi in the past. I was told that I could order vegetarian sushi off of the main menu which I did do in the end. However when I got the bill I was charged a la carte and not the luncheon menu price. The total was twice what I would have paid for the luncheon menu. If the waitress had waited and taken my full order at the beginning I would have been made aware of this change in policy and would have ordered differently. In the end, I am not sure why they could not substitute regular sushi for vegetarian sushi as it would be a less expensive option for the restaurant, yet I was prepared to pay the full luncheon menu cost........ I was not prepared to pay for each selection...
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